March 22, 2019 9.26 am This story is over 60 months old

Body recovered from Humber Estuary confirmed as Libby Squire

Family is receiving support from specially trained officers
The body recovered near Grimsby Docks was confirmed as Libby Squire. | Photo: Humberside Police

The body of a woman recovered from the Humber Estuary near Grimsby Docks has been confirmed as missing woman Libby Squire.

A post-mortem examination was carried out and formal identification has now taken place. The body recovered is Libby, 21, who was last seen just after midnight on Friday, February 1.

A man was previously arrested in connection with Libby’s disappearance and remains under investigation.

Libby Squire. Photo: Humberside Police

Hundreds of uniformed officers and around 50 detectives worked around the clock to try and find the University of Hull student.

Three specialist search advisors oversaw the search. Nearly a dozen underwater officers, dog teams and supporter officers from neighbouring forces assisted, as well as organisations including Lincolnshire Lowland Search and Rescue.

A body was recovered from the water close to Spurn Point at around 3.30pm on Wednesday, March 20 and taken in to Grimsby Docks.

Libby Squire. Photo: Humberside Police

Detective Superintendent at Humberside Police Martin Smalley said: “A post-mortem examination commenced this afternoon (Wednesday) and is continuing to be carried out this evening, however formal identification has now taken place and we can confirm the body recovered is that of missing woman Libby Squire.

“Libby’s family have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers. We would ask their privacy is please respected at this incredibly distressing time.

“Libby, 21, was last seen just after midnight on Friday, 1 February, on Beverley Road close to the junction with Haworth Street.

“An extensive search was carried out in the days and weeks after her disappearance, with detectives and officers working relentlessly to find Libby.

Libby Squire and her mum Lisa. Photo: Humberside Police

“The people in Hull have shown tremendous support to Libby’s family and to the officers and support staff involved in the searches and investigation.

“It has been a very difficult time for all those involved and we would like to thank everyone once again for their support.

“One man was arrested in February in connection to Libby’s disappearance and remains under investigation.

“We will provide updates as and when we can as to the progress of the investigation, which has been continuous since Libby’s disappearance and remains ongoing.

“Our priority is to support Libby’s family and give them the answers they desperately need.”